Sedation is a state of relaxation, calm or tranquility induced by the administration of a drug. When a dog is sedated, they start to become docile and can be handled more easily, making them less stressed during certain procedures, such as grooming or a vet visit. Without this treatment, stress triggers restlessness, and an anxious dog is prone to hurting themselves, hiding, refusing food, biting or harming people or animals.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: with Prescription Drugs
Step 1. Know that you need to get a prescription for sedative medications
Those for dogs are very effective, so you need to get a veterinarian's prescription and only he can administer them.
- The two most common active ingredients for veterinary use are acepromazine (Killitam) and diazepam (Valium®).
- These medicines block certain signals in the central nervous system, causing the animal to calm down or settle down.
Step 2. Give him acepromazine
It is given to calm aggressive or rebellious animals; it also relieves itching and has anti-emetic properties (prevents vomiting), making it an ideal drug for dogs that need to be transported for long journeys.
Step 3. Consider giving him diazepam
It is another muscle relaxant sedative, it stimulates the appetite and has anticonvulsant properties, therefore it is perfect for dogs suffering from seizures and / or having appetite problems.
Method 2 of 2: Calming a Dog Without Drugs
Step 1. Make sure she gets plenty of exercise
Several canine behavior experts recommend that the animal move well before a trip or before engaging in any activity that might agitate or make it anxious.
A dog that has been exercising a lot is more prone to rest because it has burned off excess energy; therefore, it is a good idea to schedule a brisk 30-minute walk before letting him do the activity that may be agitating him
Step 2. Bring your dog's favorite toy, blanket or rag when traveling with him
This item is imbued with many familiar smells, thereby reducing the anxiety caused by an unfamiliar environment.
Step 3. Try aromatherapy
Put a few drops of lavender essential oil on your hands and massage the back of the dog's head or the base of the spine. This oil has a relaxing scent and is typically used in health clubs for people.
Step 4. Use products that contain tranquilizing pheromones
Some studies have found that pheromones are present in all mammals during the lactation phase. In dogs it is secreted by the mother who has just had the puppies; when the little dogs perceive this hormone they calm down and feel reassured by the presence of their mother.
- Among the most common products that contain this hormone you can find Adaptil in the form of a collar or spray, or other types also in the format of an electric diffuser; you can ask your vet or pet store for more information.
- These are easy to use products; the collar is simply put on the dog and releases the pheromone for at least a month.
- The speakers simply have to be plugged into a power outlet and even then the pheromone is released slowly for a month; they are perfect products to use in rooms. Spray preparations can be used in cages, in cars or even in carriers where the dog is kept.
Step 5. Give him melatonin supplements
It is a hormone produced by the pineal gland and which promotes sleep allowing the animal to have a restful night's rest. The level of melatonin varies according to the season in both humans and animals and increases when there are few hours of sunlight in the winter months.
- Melatonin has sedative, anticonvulsant properties, regulates body rhythms and reproductive cycles; It is mainly used to treat separation anxiety in dogs and other stress and fear related problems, such as noise-induced anxiety such as fireworks or thunder.
- Give him this medicine before a trip or before facing a potentially frightening situation. Ask your vet for some melatonin supplements in tablets to administer to your four-legged friend.
- The recommended dose is 3 mg for every 15-45 kg of body weight, twice a day. If the dog is small and weighs less than 15 kg, the recommended dose is 1.5 mg, while for those over 45 kg the dose is 6 mg twice a day.
Step 6. Find herbal remedies with calming properties
On the market you can find tablets and oils derived from herbaceous plants and prepared specifically for dogs; examples of these products are scutellaria and valerian tablets. These are herbal medicated products that help relieve anxiety, agitation, excitability and behavioral problems while traveling, as well as provide support in case of epilepsy; have been shown to be effective in dogs suffering from noise phobias, travel anxiety and hyperactivity.
- The scutellaria and valerian tablets are safe in the long term as well as in the short term and can be given to specimens that are at least two months old. The typical dosage is 1 or 2 tablets per day for every 5 kg of the animal's body weight; in the case of a particular circumstance, you can give 2 tablets for every 5 kg of weight 12 hours before the time you want them to take effect and repeat the administration after 10 hours. However, keep in mind that it is not recommended to give these tablets to pregnant or nursing dogs.
- Try a chamomile and ginger oil. Research has shown that these two plants have relaxing, soothing and calming properties. The recommended daily dose is 2.5ml of oil mixed with the dog's food.
Step 7. Make a herbal concoction yourself
Create a mixture by placing a teaspoon of German chamomile in a cup and adding an equal amount of scutellaria and catnip; set them aside for the time being.
- Bring 120 ml of water to a boil and pour it into the cup with the herbs; leave to infuse for 6 minutes, then filter the mixture and add three tablespoons of honey.
- Keep the mixture at room temperature for 24 hours before giving it to the dog.
Advice
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The most typical situations in which it is necessary to calm the dog are:
- Agitation due to separation anxiety, territorial behavior and noise phobias;
- Travel anxiety
- Presence of new people in the house;
- Presence of new pets in the house;
- Visits to the veterinarian;
- Grooming;
- Noisy events, such as the New Year celebration and thunder.
